Universities Bank on Stem-Cell Research

Bay Area universities and research groups are betting they can spawn a new generation of medical breakthroughs and the next growth engine for the region's biotechnology industry.

The University of California, San Francisco, later this year plans to open a $123 million stem-cell lab at the foot of Mt. Sutro. The building follows the March launch of the UC Davis's new stem-cell center. Not to be outdone, Stanford University this month is expected to complete a $200 million stem-cell facility.